WIMLER distributes children’s books in two schools in Mlang, North Cotabato

MLANG, NORTH COTABATO - Some schools in the Philippines have no adequate books to step up the learning process of the children like in the case of Mlang Pilot Elementary School and Dugong Elementary School. Both schools are located in Mlang, North Cotabato on the southern island of Mindanao.  In fact, the school in Dugong has no library at all while the books at  the Pilot School are inadequate and mostly antiquated.

Thanks to the ten boxes of books donated by the World Bank Family Network which was facilitated by Evelyn Laguidao of Washington, D.C. and the three boxes from various donors in Hong Kong collected by Emilie Veringa from Quarry Bay School, Celeste Murphy from her friends in Sai Kung, and SWIFT APAC, the children in these two schools finally have access to books. Afreight sponsored the shipment of two boxes from Hong Kong. The distribution of the books was spearheaded by WIMLER Philippines, the sister foundation of WIMLER HK. All the people who help out with the distribution are all WIMLER volunteers.

Leila Rispens-Noel and Luz Tan of WIMLER HK, Melot Balisalisa, Alpha Lajato, Ana Marie Noel of WIMLER Philippines, school principals, school district supervisor, Roger Cordero Mlang Municipal Administrator, Mr. Cyrel Defensor, teachers, parents, and WIMLER scholars of the two schools attended the two separate turn-over ceremonies which were held last December 17.

“WIMLER hopes that through these books, the disadvantaged pupils would be able to widen their skills and knowledge. With these books, the children are encouraged to read which is important in improving their literacy skills.” said Leila Rispens-Noel, director and co-founder of WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong.

WIMLER Foundation HK’s objective of this activity is to equip the schools whose pupils are mostly from low-income groups to fortify their libraries. Parents of these pupils hardly earn US$ 2.00 a day that buying books is a real luxury. Thirty-five pupils in Dugong Elementary School and forty pupils in Mlang Pilot Elementary School are recipients of educational support of Send a Child to School project of WIMLER and hopes that through the books donation, other children can also be served.

In return, Mlang Pilot Elementary School awarded WIMLER Philippines and WIMLER HK with certificates of appreciation for their contribution to improve the learning process of the pupils.

WIMLER will continue with its book drive to reach more disadvantaged children in other places. For more information and if you have new or gently-used books to donate, please contact: emilie.veringa@wimler.org.

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